Robert Probst

Robert L. "Buster" Probst, age 81, of Elburn, passed away unexpectedly Thursday evening, November 30, 2006, at Kishwaukee Hospital, DeKalb. Having celebrated Christmas at Thanksgiving and planning shortly to leave for Arizona, he took loved ones out for one last supper. In a moment, everything changed. The promises of both Christmas and Easter came full circle and Bob was born from this life unto Eternity. He was born August 5, 1925, in Aurora, IL, the son of Lewis P. and Alice M. (Skelly) Probst. He grew up in rural Sugar Grove and graduated from Sugar Grove High School with the class of 1943. He began his career in farming right out of high school and hauled coal for the elevator in the winter months.At the Rural Youth Dance in LaFox, Buster met the "girl he was going to marry", Kathryn "Kay" Jennings. Eighteen months later, January 16, 1946, Buster and Kay were united in marriage at the Elburn Congregational Church where they have continued to share a pew for over sixty years. Their first home was on the farm in Sugar Gove. In 1948, they moved to Troxell and then to the farm west of Kaneland in 1960. In 1968, Buster took on the more business like name of "Bob" and went to work as an agent for Country Companies Insurance. In 1995, they left their home on the farm for a new house in Elburn, but the love of the land remained embedded in Buster’s heart.During Bob’s twenty-two years as an insurance agent he achieved the level of being an All-American Agent in sales. The rewards he earned from his success took him and Kay across the country, and the world, on countless trips through the years. In 1990, he retired from Country Companies but Bob was a man of many interests and had the time to work "fulltime" in the world of "wheeling and dealing". Since 2000, Bob and Kay have made their "winter" home in Mesa, AZ, where they have shared many happy times.Bob was a member of 4-H when he was growing up and in later years became a 4-H leader. He served for a number of years as a volunteer on the Kaneville Fire Department, was a member and past-president of the Kaneland School Board, the Elburn Lions Club and the Community Congregational Church, Elburn. Bob and Kay were one of four couples who began the Sugar Grove Young Adult’s Club which you had to leave when you turned forty. Those beginning couples didn’t want to give up their time together so they formed a card club, which still meets regularly. He was currently serving as the president of the Sugar Grove Allumni.He is survived by Kay, his loving wife of 60 years; two children, Mike (Melodee) Probst of Elburn and Virginia (Dean) Jones of Sycamore, IL; six grandchildren: Michelle (Dale) Merrill of Indianapolis, IN, Alyson (Randy) Higgins of Chicago, IL, James (Julie) Probst of Big Lake, MN, Jason (Kristi) Probst of Normal, IL, Eric (Michelle) Jones of Sycamore, IL and Mark Jones of San Luis Obispo, CA; ten great-grandchildren: Sydney and Austin Merrill; Collin, Kaylee and Kyler Probst; Katherine and Elizabeth Higgins; Simeon, Elias and Isaiah Probst; several nieces and nephews and a lifetime of friends.He is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Alice; two sons, Robert Charles, in infancy and Ronald (1990); one sister, Isabel Mattison and one sister in infancy; and one brother-in-law, Leroy Mattison.Buster had an infectious smile and the gift of "endless" conversation with everyone he met. He was Grandpa Buster to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought joy to all of his days. He loved a game of cards and though not a gambler, he was a "lucky" man. Visitation: Friends may call on Monday, December 4th from 2 to 8pm. at the Community Congregational Church, Rte. 47 & Shannon Sts., ElburnFuneral: A funeral to celebrate his life will be held Tuesday at 10:30 am. There will be visitation from 9:30 a.m. til the time of service. The Rev. Bob Meisner will officiate and interment will follow at Blackberry Cemetery, ElburnA memorial has been established in his name. Memorial checks can be made to the Robert Probst Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may be forwarded to the family through the same address or through www.conleycare.com.